Friend considering RhoGAM--thoughts?

[stayathomecristi]

While I know that RhoGAM is not technically a vaccine, I'm sure there are mamas here who know a lot about it. Can you direct me to some pros/cons?

I know that it's made with blood products and, as such can transmit viruses etc.

This is her second baby and she did have the shot with the other pregnancy, but is re-thinking whether she will this time around.

Thanks for your help!

[freespirited]

Make sure she gets the mercury-free one. My friend didn't and her dd has learning and behavioral issues, possibly autistic. She's upset because she was never even told the shot she received contained mercury.

[japonica]

Check out the thread linked in my siggie.

[stayathomecristi]

Originally Posted by japonica

Check out the thread linked in my siggie.

Thank you both. I will pass on this information to her.

Japonica, I am so sorry for your loss.

[annettemarie]

Moving to birth and beyond

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I got both shots with my 1st, neither with my 2nd. My sister went middle of the road, declining the prenatal shot and accepting the postpartum shot.

[Maggi315]

I'd be interested in learning more about this, I give rhogham to all my moms that need it. I've seen and heard horror stories about what happens without, I guess I didn't realize you could go on and have more children (and many of mine have lots of children-over 6-8) without problems.

so i'm subbing...

[greenthumb3]

The Rhogam that is sold now is thimerisol (mercury) free as long as it's past 2002, I believe.

FWIW, to give one more perspective for your information:

I am rh- and my DH is rh+, so I have chosen to have the postnatal Rhogam within 72 hrs of my sons' births, to prevent any possibility of sensitization in a future pregnancy. I had my midwife check my babies' blood type at birth (cord blood or heel prick...edit to add: with an Eldon card) and if it was negative, I would choose to skip the Rhogam injection and if it was positive, I'd have it administered to me. That is what I have planned for my third baby's birth, too. If there was more current research out about Rh incompatability (nothing more since the 1960's, can you believe it???), I might forego the shot altogether. Till then, I guess I am playing it safe.